Does breast milk cause tooth decay?
Tooth decay that occurs in the front teeth during the primary dentition period is called Early Childhood Caries. Various factors play a role in this condition, primarily the transmission of caries-causing microorganisms from the mother or caregiver to the baby. If the mother or caregiver maintains proper oral hygiene and does not have caries or gum diseases, the risk of passing these microorganisms to the baby is reduced. Since these microorganisms are transmitted through saliva, behaviors such as kissing the baby on the lips or using the same spoon should be avoided.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that mothers exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months and continue breastfeeding along with supplementary foods from 6 months to 2 years. Breast milk has significant benefits for a child’s physical and mental health. For many years, it was believed that breast milk could cause tooth decay due to its lactose content, and it was thought that breastfeeding should be limited to 12 months. However, later scientific studies revealed that bottle feeding, especially when given while sleeping, is more influential in the formation of Early Childhood Caries than breast milk. From an oral health perspective, children who are breastfed have a lower risk of developing dental and jaw abnormalities than those who use a bottle.
Another important factor in the formation of Early Childhood Caries
Another factor contributing to Early Childhood Caries is the frequent consumption of carbohydrates. These fermentable carbohydrates increase the number of caries-causing bacteria in the mouth, leading to more tooth decay. The addition of sweeteners like honey or molasses to the milk in the bottle or the consumption of fermentable carbohydrates in supplementary foods accelerates the formation of caries. Another common mistake families make is thinking that homemade carbohydrate-containing foods are healthy. Foods like cake, pastries, and cookies can cause decay, regardless of where they are prepared. Moreover, adding natural sweeteners like honey or molasses to these foods increases their caries-causing potential.
Another critical factor in the formation of Early Childhood Caries is the lack of regular and proper oral hygiene. Cleaning the teeth should begin around 6-7 months of age when the first teeth erupt. This cleaning can be done with a finger brush, a newborn toothbrush, or by using sterile gauze moistened with water to clean the tooth surfaces. During this period, parents should take the baby to a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears. During this appointment, the specialist will gather detailed information from the family about the baby’s care and take necessary preventive measures to prevent decay. The dentist will also advise the family on which toothpaste to use with the brush.
In addition to these main reasons, other factors, such as the child’s saliva composition, immune system, and the structure of the dental hard tissues, can also contribute to the formation of caries. However, the primary causes of Early Childhood Caries are falling asleep with a bottle, the transmission of caries-causing microorganisms from the mother, and improper and irregular oral hygiene.
A pediatric dentist will offer the family the most appropriate and straightforward solutions for Early Childhood Caries. It is essential to ensure that the treatment plan is tailored to that child. Considering the child’s age and general condition, treatments that halt the progression of caries may sometimes be a more appropriate decision than treating all decayed teeth.
Consulting a specialist pediatric dentist for the prevention and treatment of Early Childhood Caries will enhance your and your child’s quality of life.
For any questions or examinations, our team is here for you.
Prof. Dr. Ayça Tuba Ulusoy
Yummy Teeth Children & Youth
Oral and Dental Health Clinic